Locke says Hearts need some luck in front of goal

First-team coach Gary Locke is confident Hearts can halt their recent poor run with a change of fortune.

It may be coincidental, but since Hearts’ players first suffered delayed payment of their wages this season, they have failed to score and have collected just one point from a possible 12.

Hearts have not won since the 15 October defeat of Dunfermline and host bottom club Inverness in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League tomorrow.

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October’s pay, which had been due on 16 October, arrived on 4 November, but some players were yesterday still waiting for November’s money, which was due to have been paid last week.

A media lockdown instigated after manager Paulo Sergio faced disciplinary proceedings remains in place, with the official website the only channel of communication.

But Locke is sure Hearts – embroiled in off-field uncertainty after owner Vladimir Romanov announced his intention to sell the club – can arrest their current slide.

He told Hearts TV: “We’ve had a wee blip but, hopefully, we can get a result on Saturday. If our luck changes a wee bit in front of goal we will score. We’ve got players who are creative and can score.

“We’re disappointed because we should be winning these games. We’re looking to try to get a victory as soon as possible and, hopefully, it will kickstart us on to another good wee run again.”

Striker John Sutton has been used sparingly this season but began last weekend’s defeat at Dundee United. Sutton was prolific for Motherwell last term before moving to Tynecastle and has been backed by Locke to find his form.

The coach added: “John came in on Saturday and I thought he did really well. He held the ball up, snatched at a couple of things in the second half, but hopefully the more games he gets, the sharper he’ll become and he’ll stick one or two chances in the net for us.”

Only leaders Rangers have conceded fewer goals than sixth-placed Hearts entering this weekend’s fixtures, and Locke noted: “We’ve been pleased with the defensive side of things – as we have been with the way we’ve played for most of the season.”

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But Locke is refusing to underestimate Caley Thistle, despite their lowly standing in a tight table. He said: “I think Inverness are in a false position. They’re a very good side.

“Terry [Butcher, the Inverness manager] and Mo [Maurice Malpas, the Inverness assistant boss] have got them well organised.

“They’re always very workmanlike and they’ve got one or two players who can cause you problems. We know how difficult it’s going to be on Saturday, and we’ll make sure our players are on their toes.”

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